Do you need help when your dishwasher seems stuck in a cycle of filling and draining but not washing your dishes?
It’s a common issue that can leave you with dirty dishes and a perplexed expression. In this article, we’re here to help you unravel the mysteries behind this problem.
We’ll discuss the possible causes behind your dishwasher’s refusal to wash and, more importantly, provide effective solutions. Your dishwasher is meant to make life easier, so let’s get to the bottom of this issue and resolve it.
What are the causes and solutions of this issue?
Your dishwasher is essential equipment that helps you tackle the hassle of manually washing dishes.
However, just like any other piece of equipment, your dishwasher can develop faults, too, even when you do not expect it to. While Below are some reasons you are experiencing this issue:
1. A faulty motor:
The most common reason for this issue is a malfunctioning motor. A malfunctioning motor may be why your dishwasher drains water but not dishes. You may be wondering what a “motor” is.
Your dishwasher’s motor is an essential part of the equipment. If your dishwasher has a faulty motor, your dishwasher will fill, but your dishes will not be washed. This is why a defective motor can be frustrating.
After your dishwasher has filled, you ought to hear a humming sound. If you do not listen, check the motor for continuity. You need to use a multimeter to check if your dishwasher’s motor has continuity.
Place the multimeter on the motor terminal. If there is no continuity, then the motor is faulty. The only remedy in this situation is to replace it. You can either do this yourself or contact a technician to assist you. If you decide to do this yourself, follow the steps below.
- Take safety precautions:
You have to unplug your dishwasher from the power source. - Remove the dishwasher’s baskets and filters:
Take out the bottom metal panel that your dishwasher stands on. When you do this, you should be able to access the part underneath the filters. After doing this, you have to remove its lower baskets and filters. - Take out the base plate:
There are screws at the back of the dishwasher that you need to unscrew. When you do this, the bottom of the metal plate will be loosened. Place the dishwasher onto its back. Be careful while doing this. You will notice additional screws on the base panel. Unscrew these other screws, and the base will lift off. Underneath the plate you’ve removed, there is an anti-flood switch. Disconnect the electrical connector, and the base will be released. - Remove the drain pump:
Make sure you disconnect the dishwasher’s electrical connectors. They are attached to the wash motor. Make sure you take a picture of how they are connected to refer to it later when fitting the new wash motor. You will see a large spring clip holding the engine steady. Apply a little pressure to release this clip. When you do that, use pump pliers to get a firm grip around the hose and clip. Use a little movement while pushing the wash motor down, and you will release the hose. Do this for the remaining two hoses. - Attach the spring mounting clip to the new motor:
When you have done all the above, you must remove the spring mounting clip at the bottom of the old motor and put it on the new one. - Secure the hoses to the new motor:
Please remove the old manufacturer clips from the dishwasher’s hoses and replace them with new Jubilee clips. When you do this, reattach the spring-mounted clip at the bottom of the new motor to your dishwasher. Check if it’s secure, and tighten the two rear hoses to the engine. Attach the top hose and pull the last jubilee clip. - Reconnect the electrical connectors:
Secure the upper and lower electrical connectors, and carefully refit the drain pump by pushing it into the tiny hooks and locking it into place. - Reattach the base plate:
Use screws to secure the dishwasher’s base panel. Place the dishwasher upright and refit the hose at the back of the dishwasher. Finally, you must place the basket and filters back inside the dishwasher.
If you cannot do this, you should consult a technician.
2. Clogged spray arms:
Food particles can build up over time and clog essential parts of your dishwasher. Hard water also stops the spray arms. If your dishwasher’s spray arms are clogged, water will not get to your dishes, so they will not wash.
This is something you can handle yourself. Follow the steps below to take care of the problem.
- Please switch off the dishwasher and disconnect it from the power source.
- Remove any excess water and also the dishwasher’s baskets.
- Spin the spray arms and check if they move freely.
- Check for obstructions. It would help if you cleaned the holes with a toothpick. You can also use a descaler.
- If the spray arms have cracks, you may need to replace them.
To replace the spray arms, you must first switch off the dishwasher. Then, you need to remove the baskets carefully. If the lower sprayer has an issue, you can replace it with a new one by simply clicking the new one.
The upper spray arm is usually attached to the bottom of the upper basket. You can remove it by applying a little pressure. Once you do this, slot the new one in. After doing this, use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the spray arm connector.
Ensure the connector is aligned correctly before you click the channel into position. The final thing is to fix the dishwasher’s baskets in their regular positions.
3. Stuck Detergent Drawer:
For your dishwasher to wash your dishes, it needs detergent.
This means that the detergent drawer has to release detergent. If the detergent drawer is stuck and unable to open, your dishes will still be dirty at the end of a wash cycle. You have to check if the detergent drawer is stuck.
You have to set your dishwasher to run a wash cycle. After some minutes, stop the process and open the dishwasher to check if its detergent drawer is fully extended.
If it is stuck, then you clean the spring and try it again to see if the problem is caused by rust.
4. Broken glassware:
If your dishwasher is filling and draining but not washing dishes, it may be a sign that broken glassware may be blocking the dishwasher’s motor.
Below are some things you need to do. Below are some things you need to do:
- Disconnect your dishwasher from electricity for safety purposes.
- Remove excess water from the dishwasher.
- You have to check the filter, sump hose, impeller, and drain hose for blockages.
- Remove any broken glassware that may be blocking the dishwasher’s motor. Please be careful when removing this. If broken glass sheds are stuck in the impeller, it may cause you an injury if you are not careful.
Conclusion
Your dishwasher is meant to reduce your workload, not compound stress. This is why it can be unpleasant when it doesn’t wash your dishes. A dishwasher that fills and drains but refuses to wash your dishes can be frustrating.
However, understanding the potential causes of this issue can save you time and money.
Solutions, whether it’s a faulty motor, clogged spray arms, or a stuck detergent drawer, are available. You can troubleshoot the problem, from checking for a humming sound indicating blockages to replacing the engine or addressing clogs in the spray arms.
Restoring your dishwasher’s functionality is achievable with a bit of investigation and, if necessary, professional assistance. Don’t let dirty dishes dampen your day; take action and enjoy the convenience your dishwasher is meant to provide.